Article: Ayr to the throne?; Stewart Fisher speaks to Ayr United manager Gordon Dalziel and finds the League Cup veteran in confident mood ahead of their CIS Cup semi-final tie with Hibernian, although he would accept a healthy dose of luck as well

THIS Wednesday morning - as before every important cup tie - the routine of Ayr United manager Gordon Dalziel will begin with a long soak in the tub. The usual hotel in the seaside town of Seamill having been faithfully booked, identical menus of food will then be ordered, and a cup of tea supped from a time-honoured spot at his favourite table. He will then play eight - not 18, nor even nine - holes on the golf course, before subjecting his players to a quiz.

If it is such idiosyncrasies that have manoeuvred the Ayrshire club to their second major semi-final in three years, against Hibs at Hampden, then so be it. Dalziel should also feel entitled to believe they have also helped prolong ...

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